Government NEWS

28 Apr 2020 12:58 PM |
Anonymous

Email from PTIB updating program delivery COVID mitigation...

We are writing in respect of our recent approval for your institution to provide program[s] by distance education. We confirm that you may continue to provide these programs, as approved, until May 31,2020.

Apologies, in advance, if some of this information we are requesting below seems to duplicate previous information requests. As you know, the situation is shifting rapidly, and the type and frequency of information requests also shifts. We appreciate your patience and your efforts to keep PTIB updated.

If you wish to continue providing programs by distance education after May 31, 2020, you have two options.

1.Continue offering the program by distance education, on a temporary basis, until August 31, 2020. In order to assess whether appropriate supports are in place to allow students to meet learning outcomes of the program(s), we are asking that you confirm in writing the following information by April 30, 2020:

The name(s) of the PTIB approved program(s) that are being offered by distance education;

The number of students enrolled in approved programs as of today, April 16th. Please provide the number of domestic and international students separately;

The platform(s) you are using to deliver the program(s);

A description of the training and support (including access to technology) you are providing to both your students and instructors;

A description of how you are evaluating students, including the evaluation of the practical component of the program. Has this changed since your shift to online delivery;

If you have reorganized programs to deliver theory first by distance education with practical/hands-on learning later, a description of your plan in the event physical distancing or similar restrictions are still in place at that time; and

A description of how you are tracking attendance.

2.Apply to permanently deliver the program(s) by distance education. If you wish to permanently change your program delivery to either 100% online or a blended delivery method must submit an application via the Institution Portal. Please be aware that changing your program delivery method permanently may impact your StudentAidBC designation and eligibility to enroll new international students.

Even in these extraordinary circumstances, all standards related to the provision of a program continue to apply. This includes standards related to instructor qualifications, work experience components and student attendance records.

Finally, if any of the programs you offer include a work experience component which you are unable to provide (because of COVID 19), you should no longer be enrolling new students in that program. If appropriate, you may apply to provide the program without the work experience component. This is a change that requires PTIB approval.

If you have any questions, please contact me directly via return email.

28 Apr 2020 12:57 PM |
Anonymous

Temporary relief is on the way for British Columbians whose ability to work has been affected by COVID-19, with applications for the $1,000 B.C. Emergency Benefit for Workers (BCEBW) opening on May 1, 2020.

“This benefit is further help for British Columbians who are worried about paying their bills and making ends meet during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Carole James, Minister of Finance. “During these uncertain times, we want to get through this together by helping displaced workers support themselves and their families.”

The BCEBW is a one-time, tax-free $1,000 payment for British Columbians whose ability to work has been affected as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Most people who are eligible for the new federal Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) are also eligible for the BCEBW, including those who have run out of employment insurance (EI) benefits and subsequently qualify for the CERB.

To be eligible for the BCEBW, people must:

have been a resident of British Columbia on March 15, 2020;

meet the eligibility requirements for the CERB;

have been approved for the CERB, even if they have not received a benefit yet;

be at least 15 years old on the date of application;

have filed, or agree to file, a 2019 B.C. income tax return; and

not be receiving provincial income assistance or disability assistance.

Starting May 1, applications can be made online, at any time, and a link to the application portal will be available at: www.gov.bc.ca/workerbenefit

Also starting May 1, people can call 778 309-4630 or toll-free within B.C. at 1 855 955-3545, Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Pacific time) for general support or questions. Applications over the phone will begin on May 4.

Payments will start to go out within days of application. While there may be minor delays during the initial surge, government staff will be working to quickly process payments.

The benefit is part of the Province’s $5-billion COVID-19 Action Plan to provide income supports, tax relief and direct funding for people and businesses, and to support the services people count on.

The action plan builds on the federal government’s COVID-19 Economic Response Plan and delivers other key supports for people, including:

enhancing the B.C. Climate Action Tax Credit to provide up to $218 per adult and up to $64 per child in July 2020;

introducing a rental supplement of $300 per month for eligible households with no dependents and $500 per month for eligible households with dependents;

providing an emergency $300 per month for the next three months to individuals receiving income assistance or disability assistance and who are not eligible for EI or the CERB;

28 Apr 2020 12:49 PM |
Anonymous

Thousands of small businesses in British Columbia will see their monthly rent reduced by at least 75%, thanks to the new federal-provincial Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance Program (CECRA).

“While many small businesses have closed their doors to help keep people safe and healthy, this has not stopped the bills from coming in,” said Carole James, Minister of Finance. “British Columbia is pleased to partner with the federal government on the CECRA, a welcome next step that will help thousands of commercial property owners and tenants in British Columbia.”

Launching in mid-May 2020, the CECRA will see B.C. small businesses receive a total of over $300 million in federal-provincial relief, with B.C. contributing an estimated $80 million.

The 75% reduction in monthly rent for small businesses affected by COVID-19 will be achieved by providing forgivable loans to cover 50% of the rent payments for eligible small business tenants for April, May and June.

The loans will be forgiven if the landlord reduces the tenant’s monthly rent by at least 75%. The commercial tenant would be responsible for covering 25%, the property owner 25%, while the federal and provincial governments share the remaining 50%.

“This program is not just about providing relief for people today, it’s also about planning for our future and making sure that businesses and local economies are ready to be part of B.C.’s economic recovery,” James added. “We look forward to working with the federal government on the details of this program, as well as future opportunities to keep all B.C. businesses and communities resilient throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.”

The CECRA will be administered by the federal government through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

In addition to commercial rent relief, the B.C. government is offering significant support to businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic, including tax reductions, delays and deferrals.

Quick Facts:

The Province has reduced most commercial property taxes by an average of 25%, providing up to $700 million in relief. To give commercial landlords and businesses more time to pay their reduced property taxes, late payment penalties for commercial properties (classes 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8) have been waived until Oct. 1, 2020.

Businesses with a payroll over $500,000 can defer their employer health tax payments until Sept. 30, 2020. Businesses with a payroll under this threshold are already exempt.

9 Feb 2020 3:15 PM |
Anonymous

VICTORIA – The Province has selected Morneau Shepell to develop a free mental health counselling and referral service for post-secondary students throughout British Columbia.

After a rigorous procurement process, Morneau Shepell was chosen to create and operate a 24/7 mental health counselling and referral service for post-secondary students at all public and private post-secondary institutions in B.C. The company will provide on-demand, immediate counselling and referral support to almost half a million students in B.C.’s public and private post-secondary institutions.

“Mental health is an issue our government takes seriously,” said Melanie Mark, Minister of Advanced Education, Skills and Training. “Post-secondary students have told me there is a gap in mental heath support services. The stress students feel at university or college can be significant, and can lead to serious isolation and potentially deadly outcomes. I am proud our government is responding to this call to action by creating a place for students to reach out for help 24/7.”

This mental health service will mean for the first time in B.C., every student – whether rural, urban, domestic, international, public, private, full-time or part-time – will have access to 24/7 services to supplement services on campus and in the community. As this provincewide program is a new service, the ministry will take the time to engage with students and post-secondary institutions on the design of the service before launch in spring 2020.

“Many students don’t come forward and ask for the help they need because of the stigma that still surrounds mental health issues,” said Judy Darcy, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions. “This service will meet young people where they are at and provide them immediate access to someone to talk to, without shame or judgement.”

Morneau Shepell administers the largest clinical network in Canada. It has delivered mental health solutions since 1974 and services more than 20,000 organizations world-wide. Morneau Shepell supports more than 3,800 clients across all services in B.C. and more than 200 post-secondary institutions across North America, directly and via partnerships, through its student support programs.

The three-year contract has a budget of $1.5 million per year.

Improving mental health in schools is an integral part of government’s actions outlined in A Pathway to Hope, B.C.’s roadmap for making the system of mental health and addictions care better for people no matter where they live in the province.

Implementing A Pathway to Hope is a shared priority with the BC Green Party caucus and is part of the Confidence and Supply Agreement.

What people are saying about B.C.’s post-secondary mental health supports

Jonny Morris, CEO, Canadian Mental Health Association BC –

“Going on to college and university can be an exciting transition that can also bring big changes and intense challenges for students. Post-secondary students who need assistance might not always be comfortable reaching out, might not know where to turn, or services might not always be accessible. This service stands to increase access to confidential student support provincewide, while linking to existing services on campuses and in community.”

Eleanor Vannan, student, University of Victoria, and campaigns co-ordinator, BC Federation of Students –

“I am really looking forward to the launch of this portal because access to a resource like this will help students who suffer from depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions. Being able to get the extra support goes a long way into creating the right balance in students’ lives so we can study with less stress.”

“Post-secondary education is a journey with many ups and downs for students who may occasionally encounter personal or professional situations that can add increased challenges to their busy studies. When students encounter these challenges, early access to supports and interventions can give students the help they need to address the challenge, prevent it from getting bigger, and ultimately be able to continue and focus on their post-secondary goals. We often talk about student supports as part of a scaffolding that helps them to thrive while they complete their post-secondary studies. This new 24/7 service is a great addition to the wraparound supports that will be available to all students and will greatly benefit students’ long-term health and well-being.”

Santa Ono, president and vice-chancellor, University of British Columbia –

“Mental health issues affect students in every year of study, from first year through graduate school, and early identification and prompt treatment are critical. This new service will complement our existing mental health supports, ensuring students have access to resources they need to thrive and succeed in their post-secondary studies.”

“Post-secondary students in rural or remote communities experience the same stresses and anxieties as students in urban centres. Knowing they have mental health counselling and referral support dedicated to their needs, regardless of where their studies take them, can make a huge difference in the lives of students who need access to counselling services or just someone to talk to in a time of crisis.”

The BC Career Colleges Association was established in 1977 to promote and support post secondary schools, stakeholders, students and all interested parties involved in private post-secondary education and training in BC.